Dispelling the Myths About Depression "Myths. 'All your mother needs is a good spanking', her doctor said. 'She's just spoiled.' My dad did spoil her; there is no question. But all she needs is a good spanking?!" - politician Jennie Forehand Myths about depression abound. They separate people and deter effective diagnosis and treatment. Can you tell fact from myth; truth from baloney? 1. It's normal for teenagers to be moody. Teens don't suffer from "real" depression. True False 2. Depression is a serious medical illness that affects the emotions and the body True False 3. Depression is a personal or emotional weakness and indicates weak character. True False 4. Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. True False 5. Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. True False 6. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. True False 7. If you're depressed there's nothing anyone else can do to help you. True False 8. Depression is a normal result of old age. True False 9. For many people a combination of "talk" therapy and medication is beneficial. True False 10. Talking about depression only makes it worse. True False 11. People who talk about suicide don't commit suicide. True False 12. Contributors to depression include: biological factors (such as hormones and brain chemistry) genetic factors (a family history of depression) situational factors (a death in the family, getting divorced) all of the above 13. Many people who commit suicide have given warning signs to family and friends. True False 14. Telling someone else that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it. True False 15. Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person's ability or wish to get help. True False 16. More than 80% of people suffering from depression respond well to treatment. True False 17. Clinical depression will go away on its own. True False 18. Persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness and worthlessness cannot be treated. True False 19. With all the aches and pains and ailments older people have, it's normal for them to feel depressed. True False 20. More women than men suffer from clinical depression. True False WHAT IS DEPRESSION? | WHO HAS DEPRESSION? TREATMENT OPTIONS | RESOURCES & LINKS ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | DEPRESSION MAIN PAGE   BACK TO HEALTHWORKS | RETURN TO TV HOME PAGE © 1999 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.